How Do Electrochemical Reactions Work At The Quantum Level?

Stefan Wippermann

Electrochemical processes play a central role for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies, such as water splitting, hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. In order to maximize the efficiency, stability and life expectancy of these devices, it is necessary to develop accurate simulation techniques to explore and predict structural properties and chemical reactions at electrified surfaces in contact with liquid electrolytes. In this video, STEFAN WIPPERMANN puts forward ideas on how to simulate electrochemical processes with controlled electrode potential from first principles, i.e. solving the respective fundamental physical equations on high performance computers. The present work reveals the response of liquid water to an electric field at electrode/electrolyte interfaces under potential control. These developments open the door towards predicting and understanding the precise mechanistic details and dynamics of electrochemical processes at the quantum level.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB10942

Researcher

Stefan Wippermann is Group Leader of the Atomistic Modeling Group in the Department of Interface Chemistry and Surface Engineering at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung in Düsseldorf. A BMBF “NanoMatFutur" group leader in the same Department, Wippermann is also the Scientific Coordinator of the International Max-Planck Research School on Interface-controlled Materials for Energy Conversion. Having completed his PhD at Paderborn University, Wippermann has also worked at the University of California, Davis and Tsinghua University, Beijing. Wippermann’s main research interests include light absorbers for next generation photovoltaics, electrochemical solid-liquid interfaces and 1D electronic systems.

Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung

Novel alloys for automotive lightweight design and airplane turbines, materials for sustainable energy conversion and storage, and the development of big data and machine learning methods – these are just a few examples of the research areas that are being investigated by the scientists of the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung. The team of engineers, material scientists, physicists, and chemists develops tailored materials and methods for mobility, energy, infrastructure, and information. To this end, the researchers study complex materials with atomic precision under real environmental conditions.